ShopHawthorn a shrub that produces a berry like fruit called a “Haw, the leaves, flowers, and both the red and green fruits can be used in a combination of remedies. These have separate benefits to the effect of astringents antispasmodic, cardiotonic, diuretic, hypotensive and… antiatherosclerotic agents.
Active compounds that are said to have a positive effect include: Triterpene-carbonic acids, quercetin, flavonoids including proanthocyandins.
Scientific studies, when testing hawthorn extracts efficiency towards stomach ulcers and self-induced edema determined positive anti-inflammatory benefits. These experiments determined that there are levels of free radical scavenging compounds available for usage in our bodies, and even antimicrobial benefits. These results concluded more than expected that not only were there positive heart and cardiovascular benefits, but much more due to the reactive oxygen species protection mechanisms. Protecting our body from species that are caused by incorrectly forming biological mechanisms such as DNA replication, and protein synthesis.
Quercetin, an antioxidant flavonol also found in hawthorn, which has been researched to reduce blood pressure in hypertensive rats. In addition reduce the potential effects associated with coronary heart disease and stroke. Also a trial with 885 patients recommended the use of Hawthorn as an adjunct with other medicinal methods. Hawthorn increased the ability to exercise, for instance in the ten trials, all reported that there was an increase of cardiac oxygen consumption, and a decrease in shortness of breath and fatigue.
In addition reports show protection or reduction in the areas of angina pectoris, hypertension with myocardial insufficiency, mild alterations of cardiac rhythm, and atherosclerosis.
Sources:
- Edwards RL, Lyon T, Litwin SE, Rabovsky A, Symons JD, Jalili T (1 November 2007). “Quercetin Reduces Blood Pressure in Hypertensive Subjects”. Journal of Nutrition. 137 (11): 2405–11.
- Pittler, M.H., Guo, R., & Emst, E. (2008). Hawthorn extract for treating chronic heart failure. Cochrane Database of Systematic Reviews, 1.
- Vanja M. Tadi, Silva Dobri, Goran M. Markovi, Sofija M. Ðorđevi, Ivana A. Arsi, Neboja R. Menkovi, Tanja Stevi (2008). “Anti-inflammatory, Gastroprotective, Free-Radical-Scavenging, and Antimicrobial Activities of Hawthorn Berries Ethanol Extract”
Journal of Agricultural and Food Chemistry 56 (17), 7700-7709
